Chargers: Difference between revisions
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→Lithium Ion Chargers: separate Nitecore I4 and D4
(→Lithium Ion Chargers: get rid of super cheap DX chargers, update XTAR to VP4, add Nitecore options.) |
(→Lithium Ion Chargers: separate Nitecore I4 and D4) |
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Li-ion chargers aren't as commercially widespread as NiMH chargers. Precautions must be taken to avoid overheating cells and they should be monitored while charging. Some people only charge li-ion cells in their fireplace or in a steel bucket! For tips on safely using Li-ion cells refer to [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235164 this post]. The important thing for li-ion chargers is to correctly stop charging when the battery voltage reaches 4.2 volts (for a typical 3.7 volt cell) and not to charge at a rate exceeding the capacity of the cell (e.g. "1C" for an 800 mAh battery is 800 mA). See [http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_lithium_ion_batteries this article] from Battery University for information about properly charging li-ion cells. A good charger will slow the charge rate as the battery gets closer to being fully charged. | Li-ion chargers aren't as commercially widespread as NiMH chargers. Precautions must be taken to avoid overheating cells and they should be monitored while charging. Some people only charge li-ion cells in their fireplace or in a steel bucket! For tips on safely using Li-ion cells refer to [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235164 this post]. The important thing for li-ion chargers is to correctly stop charging when the battery voltage reaches 4.2 volts (for a typical 3.7 volt cell) and not to charge at a rate exceeding the capacity of the cell (e.g. "1C" for an 800 mAh battery is 800 mA). See [http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_lithium_ion_batteries this article] from Battery University for information about properly charging li-ion cells. A good charger will slow the charge rate as the battery gets closer to being fully charged. | ||
* [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-i4-intellicharger-2014-edition.html Nitecore Intellicharger i4] - 4-bay 2-channel charger (Bays 1 and 3 share a channel, as do 2 and 4). Charges li-ion cells as well as NiMH. Usually around $ | * [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-i4-intellicharger-2014-edition.html Nitecore Intellicharger i4] - 4-bay 2-channel charger (Bays 1 and 3 share a channel, as do 2 and 4). Charges li-ion cells as well as NiMH. Usually around $15-20. Reviews: [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/9508 HKJ], [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?336936 Selfbuilt]. Similar [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-intellicharge-i2.html 2-bay model]. | ||
* [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-d4-digicharger.html Nitecore Digicharger D4] Nitecore makes a 4-bay charger similar to the I4 above, but with a digital readout for voltage and current (about $25) as well as a 2-bay [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-d2-digicharger.html D2]. Review by [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/35145 HKJ]. | |||
* [http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?product=171829 Pila IBC 4-Stage Charger] - Has 2 independent bays and will charge batteries 65-67mm long batteries by default and 50mm long using the included adapters. It charges batteries at up to 600 mA and correctly terminates at 4.2 volts. This charger is often recommended in the forums. Because of the 600 ma charging rate, it is not appropriate for 10440 cells which often are 500 mAh. Note that Pila only recommends this charger be used with Pila cells, but it will work fine with any li-ion cells, but will require your own adapters for 16340's. About $45. [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201323 CPF thread] | * [http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?product=171829 Pila IBC 4-Stage Charger] - Has 2 independent bays and will charge batteries 65-67mm long batteries by default and 50mm long using the included adapters. It charges batteries at up to 600 mA and correctly terminates at 4.2 volts. This charger is often recommended in the forums. Because of the 600 ma charging rate, it is not appropriate for 10440 cells which often are 500 mAh. Note that Pila only recommends this charger be used with Pila cells, but it will work fine with any li-ion cells, but will require your own adapters for 16340's. About $45. [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201323 CPF thread] | ||